Apple rolled out a new age verification feature in iOS 26.4 for UK users, aiming to ensure compliance with Britain’s Online Safety Act by requiring proof that users are 18 or older to access all App Store apps. While automatic verification works smoothly for some, many users experience frustration when manual ID checks are needed, exposing flaws and confusion in the process.
Once updated, UK users find a ”Confirm You Are 18+” option in the Settings app. Apple attempts to verify age automatically, which requires no extra input in many cases. But if automatic checks fail, users must prove their age manually by submitting identification. This is where the trouble begins.
Confusion has arisen because Apple accepts a UK-issued credit card as valid proof since these are only issued to adults, whereas debit cards-sometimes visually similar-are rejected because they can be held by minors. Passport holders will be disappointed, as passports are currently not accepted by Apple for UK age verification, unlike driving licenses, which are accepted-even provisional licenses count.
- Acceptable IDs: Credit card, (provisional) driving license
- Not accepted IDs: Debit card, passport
Some users report that even when using the accepted IDs, the process fails to complete. Patience appears to help: scanning the driving license may take up to 10 seconds per side, and ensuring phone shadows don’t obscure the document is crucial. Restarting the iPhone before trying again has also resolved issues for some. For those using credit cards, adding the card to Apple Wallet before verification has led to success where outright rejection occurred initially.
This rollout suggests Apple may need clearer communication about what qualifies as acceptable proof and reconsider the exclusion of passports, especially given that digital IDs from US passports are accepted stateside. The stumbling blocks users currently face point to either process bugs or policy restrictions that Apple should address promptly to avoid alienating UK users. If all else fails, waiting a few days for system fixes appears to be the last resort.